Record‑Setting Trio Leads NKU Past South Dakota in 102–94 Shootout

Northern Kentucky closed out its South Dakota road swing with a commanding offensive performance, defeating South Dakota 102–94 on Wednesday night in Vermillion. The victory moves the Norse to 2–0 on the season and showcased one of the most explosive scoring efforts of the program’s Division I era, powered by a dominant trio in Noah Pagotto, Eric Acker, and Willie Foster. 

The opening minutes were tightly contested as both teams traded baskets and early leads. NKU found momentum midway through the first half, beginning with an Eric Acker three‑pointer that sparked a 9–0 run. Willie Foster added a transition finish, Acker connected on a mid‑range jumper, and Pagotto scored inside to give the Norse a 24–16 advantage. South Dakota responded out of the media timeout with a layup from Kajus Kublicka and a three‑pointer from Josiah Dotzler, trimming the deficit to 24–21. NKU rebuilt its lead to 38–30 with under six minutes remaining, but the Coyotes surged late, pulling within 48–47 in the final minute. 

Northern Kentucky closed the half with poise. Pagotto knocked down a jumper with 23 seconds left, and BJ Davis‑Ray capitalized on a turnover from Cade Kelderman with a layup before the buzzer, giving NKU a 52–47 lead at the break. Pagotto led all scorers with 16 first‑half points, while Acker added 15. 

South Dakota again cut NKU’s lead to one early in the second half, making it 57–56 with 15:26 remaining. From that point forward, freshman guard Willie Foster took control of the game. Foster ignited a 13–4 run, highlighted by a deep three‑pointer that extended NKU’s lead to 75–62 with 11:33 left. His scoring burst forced South Dakota into defensive adjustments and opened the floor for NKU’s ball movement. 

The Coyotes mounted a late push, trimming the deficit to 93–86 with 2:30 remaining and eventually pulling within 98–94 with 23 seconds left. NKU responded with composure at the free‑throw line, where Pagotto, Acker, and Foster combined to go 9‑of‑10 in the final minute to secure the win and complete the road sweep. 

Northern Kentucky delivered one of its most efficient offensive performances in recent memory, shooting 62.5 percent from the field, 64.3 percent from three (9‑of‑14), and 23‑of‑32 at the free‑throw line. South Dakota shot 53.1 percent overall, 36 percent from three, and 17‑of‑21 at the line, but struggled to match NKU’s sustained efficiency. 

Pagotto led the Norse with a career‑high 30 points on 11‑of‑15 shooting, adding seven made free throws and a three‑pointer. Acker followed with a historic performance, finishing with 22 points and 12 assists. His 12 assists set a new NKU Division I era single‑game record, and he became the first player in NKU’s Division I era to record 20‑plus points and 10‑plus assists in the same game. Foster added 22 points on 7‑of‑14 shooting, including 3‑of‑5 from three and a perfect 5‑of‑5 at the line, continuing his breakout start to the season. 

The trio of Pagotto, Acker, and Foster became the first group of NKU Division I teammates to each score 22 or more points in the same game. NKU also received strong contributions from BJ Davis‑Ray, who scored 15 points on 5‑of‑8 shooting with five rebounds and two steals, and Donovan Rakotoananahary, who added 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals while shooting a perfect 4‑of‑4. 

Northern Kentucky now turns its attention to a major early‑season test as the Norse travel to Reed Arena in College Station to face Texas A&M on Friday at 8 p.m. EST. The game will air on SECN+ and can be heard on Fox Sports 1360.